India’s Homebound is among films that have qualified to be nominated under the category of Best International Feature Film in the 98th Academy Awards. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the films were accompanied by nominations from 12 other categories, such as documentary, original song, original score, and a number of others, including a new award that is casting.

In total, 15 films have made the cut-off in the competition for International Feature Film, which received 86 entries from territories worldwide. The list includes films from Argentina’s Belén, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, from Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, from Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, from Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, from South Korea’s No Other Choice, from Spain’s Sirât, Switzerland’s Late Shift, from Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, from Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, and from India’s Homebound.

Members from every branch must take part in the preliminary stage of voting under Academy by-rule requirements; this entails watching the films that qualify to be nominated. During the final stage of nominations, voters must watch all 15 films nominated to take part in voting if they choose to be involved in this category.

In a small village within the state of Punjab in Northern India, “Homebound” is based on the true story of two best friends who have always dreamed of becoming police officers by passing the national police examination, a dream they associate with respect and economic gain. While the friends are on the cusp of realizing their collective dream of becoming policemen, the bond between them continues to unravel as a result of thwarted dreams and disillusionment.

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The director, Neeraj Ghaywan, has reported that he was actually inspired by a true event he came across through an op-ed published in The New York Times. This event, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, was about friendship and survival in times of uncertainty. The director based his film on this event to explore a global concern, specifically migration. “Ultimately, Homebound is all about what propels people out of their homes,” Ghaywan clarified.

“It’s not simply a matter of job or finance, but also about the desire for dignity, identity, and existence.” In its personal observation on rural India, the movie explores the ever universal dilemmas surrounding the sense of belonging, the need to aspire, and the price to pay to seek stability in an uneven planet.

The makers of Border 2—T-Series and JP Films—have unveiled the film’s much-anticipated teaser on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, marking the anniversary of India’s victory in the 1971 India–Pakistan war. The timing of the release underscores the film’s patriotic theme and its tribute to the courage of Indian soldiers.

Soon after the teaser was released, social media platforms were abuzz with reactions, with viewers widely describing the film as a “blockbuster in the making.” Sunny Deol’s commanding presence drew particular attention, especially his dialogue, “Aawaaz kahan tak jaani chahiye?”, which quickly went viral. Audiences also praised the performances of Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, with many calling them among the strongest of their careers. The teaser’s high-intensity war sequences were highlighted for evoking a sense of pride and patriotism.

Online reactions reflected the scale of excitement, with comments ranging from predictions of massive box office success to praise for the film’s emotional impact. Several viewers described the teaser as “goosebump-inducing,” while others noted that the actors appeared to have fully embodied the spirit, sacrifice and resolve of Indian soldiers.

Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series and J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh. Continuing the legacy of the original Border, the sequel aims to celebrate the heroism and indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces through a large-scale cinematic experience. Border 2 is slated for a theatrical release on January 23, 2026.

Actor Sonakshi Sinha recently expressed her strong displeasure with India’s national carrier, Air India, after her early morning flight from Mumbai was delayed for several hours without any clear explanation. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the actor revealed that she had been waiting at the airport since the early hours of the morning, only to face repeated delays that stretched her travel ordeal to nearly half a day.

According to Sonakshi, she arrived at the airport at 4 am to catch a scheduled 5 am flight. However, instead of boarding on time, she found herself stuck at the terminal as the departure was postponed hour by hour. Sharing a photo taken from her flight window, Sonakshi wrote a sharply worded note expressing her frustration. “Absolutely hate you @airindia,” she wrote. “Been at the airport since 4 am to catch a 5 am flight, which has been pushed to 11 am hour by hour for NO DAMN REASON. National carrier, it seems. Do better.”

The post quickly caught attention online, with many users resonating with her experience and sharing similar stories of flight delays and poor communication. Sonakshi later deleted the post, but screenshots of her remarks continued to circulate on social media, sparking renewed discussion around passenger inconvenience and airline accountability.

This incident adds Sonakshi Sinha to a growing list of celebrities who have publicly criticised Air India over service-related issues. In recent weeks, the airline has faced backlash from several prominent personalities across different industries, each highlighting concerns ranging from damaged belongings to inadequate passenger care.

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One such instance involved acclaimed musician and composer Anoushka Shankar, who voiced her disappointment after her sitar was damaged during a recent Air India flight. Despite paying a handling fee to ensure safe transport of her instrument, Anoushka claimed that the sitar suffered significant damage. Sharing a video of the broken instrument on social media, she expressed her shock and heartbreak. “Devastated and truly disturbed by @airindia’s treatment of my sitar,” she wrote, questioning how such damage could occur without negligence. She also noted that she had flown thousands of times with other airlines without even a minor issue, making the incident particularly upsetting.

Actor Raveena Tandon has also previously called out Air India, specifically over its policies regarding passengers travelling with pets. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Raveena shared an article reporting that private airline Akasa Air would allow passengers to fly with two pets in the cabin. Reacting to the news, she urged Air India to learn from such policies. “Take a cue @airindia,” she wrote, adding that pet parents are often put through unnecessary inconvenience. She further remarked that pets are often better behaved than some human passengers onboard.

Together, these incidents have intensified scrutiny on the airline’s customer service standards, especially as expectations rise in a post-pandemic travel landscape. Frequent delays, damaged belongings, and restrictive policies have led to increasing frustration among travellers, and public criticism from well-known figures has amplified these concerns.

Meanwhile, Sonakshi Sinha continues to remain active on the professional front. The actor was last seen in the supernatural thriller Jatadhara, which marked a notable addition to her filmography. Directed by Abhishek Jaiswal and Venkat Kalyan, the film featured an ensemble cast including Sudheer Babu, Shilpa Shirodkar, Divya Khossla, Indira Krishna, Ravi Prakash, Naveen Neni, Rohit Pathak, Jhansi, Rajeev Kanakala, and Subhalekha Sudhakar.

Jatadhara was released theatrically in both Telugu and Hindi on November 7 and explored eerie themes and mythological elements, earning attention for its atmospheric storytelling and performances. Sonakshi’s role in the film was particularly noted as she continues to experiment with diverse genres beyond mainstream commercial cinema.

While Sonakshi chose not to further comment after deleting her Instagram story, her post has once again highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among passengers regarding airline delays and lack of transparency. For many travellers, especially those with early morning flights, such prolonged delays can disrupt schedules and cause significant inconvenience.

As more celebrities and passengers speak out, calls for improved accountability and better customer communication continue to grow. Whether Air India addresses these recurring complaints with tangible improvements remains to be seen, but incidents like Sonakshi Sinha’s ensure that the conversation around service standards stays firmly in the public eye.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently turned an unexpected travel disruption into a memorable and positive experience, proving once again why he remains one of the most grounded and optimistic figures in Indian cinema. After missing his connecting flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, the actor chose to embrace the situation rather than be upset by it. He ultimately boarded an early morning train to reach his destination in time for the Khajuraho International Film Festival, where his film Tanvi the Great is being showcased as the opening film.

Taking to his Instagram Stories, Anupam shared glimpses of his train journey with fans. Posting a short clip from his window seat, the actor appeared cheerful and relaxed as scenic views passed by. Alongside the video, he wrote, “Train to #Khajuraho! #TanviTheGreat,” capturing both his excitement and calm acceptance of the change in plans.

In another video update, Anupam spoke directly to the camera, giving followers a real-time travel update. “I started at 5.15 am from Varanasi. Now, it’s 10.12 am. It has already been five hours, two more hours to go,” he said. Far from sounding frustrated, the actor seemed to be enjoying the journey, adding in Hindi, “Yeh train ki journey mazedar hai,” meaning, “This train journey is fun.”

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Anupam also took the opportunity to praise Indian Railways, expressing pride in the country’s infrastructure. He compared the condition of the train to those he had experienced in Europe, saying that the experience was comfortable and impressive. “Indian Railways, very good, very proud feeling. I liked it, I loved it. Indian Railways, well done,” he said. Interestingly, the coach was sparsely occupied, with only a few passengers seated, including the actor himself, making the journey even more peaceful.

Before embarking on the train journey, Anupam had shared another meaningful moment from his stay in Varanasi. After his connecting flight to Khajuraho was cancelled, the actor decided to make the most of his time in the holy city. He visited the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple and shared a video from his spiritual outing on social media.

Giving fans a glimpse of his visit, Anupam wrote, “Khajuraho’s flight was cancelled yesterday! Well done! Baba had to call in Varanasi.” He mentioned that it was Ekadashi and also a Monday—both considered highly auspicious days—making the visit even more special. The actor described his time at the temple as deeply fulfilling, adding that he felt a profound connection while praying.

“Communicated with the Lord both heart and soul! Which is getting by the grace of the Lord!” he wrote, expressing gratitude to Mahadev for everything in his life. In his message, Anupam also said that he prayed for his fans and well-wishers, concluding with devotional chants like “Har Har Mahadev,” “Hail Baba Vishwanath,” “Hail Baba Bholenath,” and “Om Namah Shivay.”

Earlier, Anupam had explained the entire sequence of events in a detailed social media post. He was traveling from Hyderabad to Khajuraho via Varanasi when he was informed that his connecting flight had been cancelled after landing in Varanasi. While the situation could have been frustrating, the actor chose to handle it with wisdom and humor.

Quoting his grandfather, Anupam wrote, “My Grandfather used to say, ‘Don’t go through a problem twice! Once by thinking about it, and once by going through it!’” He admitted that the cancellation was annoying but decided to turn the delay into an opportunity. Instead of worrying, he treated himself to local delicacies like kachori, chaat, and gulab jamun, and planned a visit to the Vishwanath Temple.

He also linked the experience to his professional commitment, mentioning the Khajuraho International Film Festival and Tanvi the Great, which was scheduled to open the festival. The film holds special significance for Anupam, as he not only acted in it but also directed the project. Featuring Shubhangi Dutt in the lead role, Tanvi the Great was released in theatres on July 18 and has been receiving attention for its heartfelt storytelling.

On the work front, Anupam Kher continues to stay busy with exciting projects. Apart from Tanvi the Great, he is set to appear in Sooraj Barjatya’s upcoming feature film, further cementing his presence in meaningful and diverse cinema. His recent travel experience, filled with patience, spirituality, and positivity, once again reflected his philosophy of embracing life’s uncertainties with grace.

Many years ago, during an appearance on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s popular chat show, her husband Saif Ali Khan made a candid and memorable revelation about the early days of their relationship. Reflecting on the time when he and Kareena had just started dating, Saif shared a piece of advice given to him by his close friend and co-star Rani Mukerji. The advice, though unconventional, stayed with him: “Just behave like you are in a relationship with a man.”

At the time, Saif and Kareena were navigating the complexities of a high-profile relationship in the film industry. Both were established stars, constantly in the public eye, and working closely with other actors. After dating for five years, the couple tied the knot in 2012. Now happily married for 13 years, Saif and Kareena are proud parents to two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan, and are often regarded as one of Bollywood’s most enduring power couples.

Recently, Saif revisited Rani Mukerji’s advice during a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, offering deeper insight into what it meant and whether it truly worked. Speaking fondly about his wife, Saif was full of praise for Kareena, describing her as an extraordinary partner. “She truly is an incredible, incredible woman, and I’m so lucky to be with her,” he said. “She is one of the most patient and loving people I’ve met and she’s just absolutely wonderful.” Smiling and blushing, Saif added that he could go on listing examples but admitted it might get “a bit mushy.”

Saif talks about Kareena in his latest interview: “She is one of the most patient and loving people I’ve met. She can work and be this actor/star but another side of her wants to be a mother, wife and a homemaker. I’m so lucky. I could go on and on but there is ‘Nazar’.”
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Clarifying Rani Mukerji’s words, Saif explained that the advice was never meant to be taken in a chauvinistic sense. “That’s not my idea of a relationship anyway,” he said. According to Saif, Rani’s intention was sincere and supportive. At the time, he was working closely with Rani and knew that she genuinely cared for Kareena. “She loves Kareena and was trying to help me,” Saif explained, adding that in the early phase of his relationship, he may not have been entirely comfortable with certain aspects of sharing.

When asked whether this discomfort was related to stardom, Saif clarified that it went beyond fame. “Not just the stardom, but the idea that there are other equally important things than just us,” he explained. He admitted that, in the beginning, he struggled with emotions such as jealousy and uncertainty, especially when Kareena worked with other male actors. “These were new emotions,” Saif said, adding that such feelings require maturity to process properly.

Saif also spoke about the importance of trust in a relationship, particularly when both partners belong to the same industry. “You need a lot of trust and belief in each other,” he said. He acknowledged that when a relationship is new and one is naturally a little insecure, navigating such situations can be tricky. Saif revealed that earlier in his life, he had dated women who were not connected to the film industry, which meant there was less overlap between personal and professional worlds.

Being with Kareena, however, forced him to grow and evolve emotionally. “It was wonderful to learn that and get over that,” Saif shared, adding that these experiences ultimately strengthened their bond. Over time, his perspective changed, and he began to understand the industry and Kareena’s professional relationships better. He even recalled a moment of realization when it struck him that people he once viewed as “rivals” could actually be Kareena’s “allies.”

With maturity came a shift in mindset. Saif jokingly added that he eventually decided that if he ever became a producer, he would happily sign these so-called “allies” instead. This evolution, he believes, played a crucial role in building a strong, trusting partnership with Kareena—one that has stood the test of time.

Rani’s advice to Saif when he started dating Kareena
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On the professional front, Saif Ali Khan is gearing up for his next project, Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan, where he will be seen sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar. Kareena Kapoor Khan, meanwhile, is preparing for her upcoming film Daayra, helmed by Meghna Gulzar. Even after more than a decade of marriage, both continue to balance successful careers with family life, proving that mutual respect, trust, and growth are at the heart of their relationship.

Kriti Sanon recently gave fans a glimpse into her current playlist, and interestingly, her favourite track at the moment isn’t from one of her own films. The actress has revealed that she is completely hooked to Sitaare, a song from the upcoming war drama Ikkis. Sharing her excitement on social media, Kriti confessed that she has been listening to the track “on loop,” clearly impressed by its melody and emotional depth.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kriti shared the poster of Sitaare from Ikkis and praised the song wholeheartedly. Her post instantly caught fans’ attention, sparking conversations around the music and further building anticipation for the film. It’s not uncommon for actors to show appreciation for good cinema and music, but Kriti’s public endorsement has certainly added to the buzz surrounding the song.

Sitaare offers a refreshing contrast to the intense backdrop of Ikkis, which is rooted in themes of heroism, sacrifice, and patriotism. While the film largely chronicles the life of a brave soldier, the song provides a softer, more tender glimpse into young love. Its bright, heartfelt tone captures moments of warmth and emotion, balancing the otherwise serious narrative of the war drama.

The song has been created and produced by White Noise Collectives and is sung by Arijit Singh, whose soulful voice elevates the track to another level. The lyrics, penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, add poetic charm and emotional resonance, making Sitaare a song that lingers long after it ends. Together, the music and lyrics create a romantic and hopeful atmosphere that has clearly struck a chord with listeners, including Kriti Sanon.

Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia in key roles. The film is inspired by the extraordinary life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of India’s greatest war heroes and the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The recently released trailer offers a powerful glimpse into Arun Khetarpal’s life, courage, and unwavering sense of duty toward the nation.

In the trailer, Agastya Nanda steps into the role of the fearless young soldier who heads to war at just 21 years of age, undeterred by the prospect of death. One of the most striking moments shows his character confidently declaring that he will earn the next Param Vir Chakra for his regiment. These scenes set the tone for a story driven by patriotism, bravery, and sacrifice, highlighting the extraordinary spirit of a young man who laid down his life for the country.

The film promises a gripping narrative that combines emotional depth with high-stakes action, giving audiences a closer look at the personal and professional journey of a war hero. While Sitaare adds a layer of romance and tenderness, the overall story remains firmly rooted in the realities of war and the price paid by those who serve on the front lines.

According to information shared on the film’s poster, Ikkis will stream on Amazon Prime Video after completing its theatrical run. However, the makers have not yet announced the official OTT release date. The film is expected to face box office competition, as it is set to clash with Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.

That film follows the emotionally charged journey of Shankar, an impulsive and fiery young man deeply in love with Mukti. Their romance blossoms during their college years, but takes a heartbreaking turn when Mukti decides to marry someone else. The story explores an intense and unpredictable love that defies logic, circumstance, and destiny, making it a strong contender at the box office.

Meanwhile, Kriti Sanon has an exciting lineup ahead. She is gearing up for her next major release, Homi Adajania’s Cocktail 2, where she will be seen alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film has already generated significant curiosity, as it marks a fresh collaboration and promises a new dynamic on screen.

In addition to this, industry buzz suggests that Kriti is being considered for a pivotal role in Farhan Akhtar’s much-anticipated Don 3. While there has been no official confirmation yet, the speculation alone has been enough to excite fans, further cementing Kriti Sanon’s strong presence in the industry.

The journey of Rajashivaji, one of the most ambitious historical films in the making, has reached a significant milestone as its shoot has officially wrapped. Marking the moment with poetic words that reflect both reflection and hope, the makers announced the completion of over 100 days of filming — a period defined by dedication, discipline, and unwavering passion.

Sharing the update, the team described the journey as one where “the sun paused for a moment and shadows stretched long — but only briefly — for a radiant dawn awaits.” The lines symbolise not an end, but a transition toward a powerful new beginning as the film moves into its next phase. With countless memories, unforgettable experiences, and emotionally charged moments behind them, the creators are now preparing to bring a grand cinematic tribute to the screen.

Rajashivaji is envisioned as a majestic homage to one of India’s greatest warriors and visionaries, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film aims to honour his legacy, courage, leadership, and indomitable spirit through a larger-than-life storytelling approach. Described as a “cinemarूपी अभिवादन” (a cinematic salutation), the project has been crafted with deep reverence and historical responsibility.

The film is directed by Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh, marking a significant creative milestone in his career. Known primarily as an actor and producer, Riteish has stepped into the director’s chair with this epic saga, bringing both emotional depth and cultural pride to the project. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh, whose involvement has further strengthened expectations around its scale and sincerity.

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Backing the project are Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, two major names coming together to present this ambitious historical epic. The collaboration signals a large-scale production designed to reach audiences across generations and geographies, while staying rooted in authenticity and respect for history.

While the makers have kept further details under wraps, the wrap announcement alone has sparked excitement among fans and history enthusiasts alike. The promise of a visually grand and emotionally stirring portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has set expectations soaring.

Rajashivaji is slated for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026 — a date that itself holds symbolic significance. As the project moves into post-production, audiences eagerly await the dawn of what promises to be a powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable cinematic experience celebrating one of India’s most iconic figures.